All posts by z3u9t.icu

Newcastle United bringing in experienced Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci this window would make new arrival Sandro Tonali 'delighted', according to journalist Dean Jones.

Is Leonardo Bonucci going to Newcastle United?

According to Calciomercato, Newcastle United have had a meeting with Juventus over the possibility of bringing Bonucci to St James' Park this window as he's set to leave the Allianz Stadium.

No concrete offer has been put forward to the £197k-a-week ace; however, the Magpies are assessing the 'economic, technical, physical and motivational conditions' before making a decision on whether to pursue Bonucci.

Speaking on the NUFC Matters Transfer Show, journalist Ben Jacobs cast doubt on any potential move to the North East for Bonucci, stating: "“Very strange, I don’t see it happening at all. Obviously at 36 years of age what would be the logic? You have to think of the wages as well, there would be a big outlay for a 36-year-old. I’m not sure there’s anything significant in this, it’s not advanced in any way, I’m not aware of any serious conversations and there hasn’t been an offer either."

Featuring in a reduced role for Juventus last term, Bonucci amassed 26 appearances in all competitions, getting himself on the scoresheet on two separate occasions, as per Transfermarkt.

Corriere della Sera claim that Sampdoria boss Andrea Pirlo would like to reunite with Bonucci as they prepare for life as a Serie B outfit.

Journalist Jones thinks that new arrival Tonali would be happy if his fellow countryman Bonucci was to join him at St James' Park this summer.

In a recent interview with Football FanCast, Jones stated: "I'm sure Sandro Tonali would be delighted to have an Italian follow him to Tyneside. He is looking for a new club and in line with that, I know that sides have been approached, particularly anyone who is Champions League level but could do with some experience."

Who else has Eddie Howe targeted this summer to join Newcastle United?

Newcastle United look to be active in the market this summer as Eddie Howe plots some savvy business to prepare his side for Champions League involvement this term.

As per The Times, the Magpies are closing in on the signing of Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes for a fee that will touch the £35 million mark.

Any deal to bring Barnes to the North East would mean that Newcastle United have spent their net transfer budget for this window following the arrival of Tonali from AC Milan.

Chronicle Live understand that Newcastle United are yet to submit an official offer for Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney despite being keen on the Scotland international.

Gazzeta dello Sport report that Juventus winger Federico Chiesa could be sold by his current employers and both Newcastle United alongside Liverpool would be attractive options for the Italy international to seek a new challenge in England.

Looking ahead, we will find out more in the next few weeks over who Newcastle United are looking to bring in an what sort of impact they will potential have on the club moving forward.

It’s no secret to say that Chelsea have enjoyed splashing the cash throughout the years in order to generate success. On the whole, it appears to have worked fairly well, with the Blues winning two Champions League titles and five Premier League crowns to go alongside a handful of other honours.

Big-money signings such as Didier Drogba, Eden Hazard and N’Golo Kante have all powered the club to glory during their respective spells at the Stamford Bridge side, yet not every transfer has been successful, with some bordering on the wasteful side that rinsed the club for very little impact on the pitch.

Antonio Conte won a league title and FA Cup as Chelsea manager and re-established them following a woeful 2015/16 campaign, yet he had a few shockers in the transfer window.

Shelling out £33m for Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi not long after he took charge in the summer of 2016 would certainly be classed as one of those shockers considering his poor goal return.

Where is Michy Batshuayi now?

On the surface, the 22-year-old looked like an excellent prospect who could further develop at Chelsea and eventually turn into a first-team star.

He had scored 23 goals for Marseille the season before and had even represented Belgium at the European Championships in 2016, scoring against Hungary, suggesting he had a bright future ahead of him at both club and international level.

The striker netted 11 goals during his first campaign at the Blues, scoring the title-winning goal against West Bromwich Albion in May 2017, and it looked as though it was £33m well spent.

He would go on to score just another 16 goals for the club after that title campaign, spending time on loan at the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Crystal Palace and Besiktas while failing to convince the likes of Frank Lampard, Maurizio Sarri and Thomas Tuchel he deserved a place in the starting XI.

Dubbed “ruthless” by BBC Sport football writer Phil McNulty at the 2022 World Cup, he had left Chelsea at the start of the campaign to join Fenerbahçe on a free transfer, meaning the club had lost a staggering sum on the player.

The 50-cap striker enjoyed a strong enough start to life in the Premier League, however, he couldn’t quite force his way into a regular fixture in the starting XI and what looked like a wonderful investment back in 2016 soon turned out to be an expensive nightmare.

A summer of transition is under way at Wolverhampton Wanderers, with as many as nine players set to find new clubs in the summer transfer window.

While some players will soon be forgotten, such as striker Diego Costa, it will take far more time and consideration to find a replacement for a player of Joao Moutinho's standing at Molineux.

The Portugal international's five-season stay with the Premier League side came to an end at the conclusion of last season, and it is looking likely he will reunite with former Wolves boss Nuno Santo at Saudi club Al Ittihad.

There are plenty of adequate options available to freshen up Wolves' midfield next season, with Bristol City's Alex Scott among them.

Scott has long been touted as an option for Julen Lopetegui, and CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs reports that Wolves – as well as Tottenham Hotspur – have been boosted in their pursuit as Liverpool are no longer in the running for the midfielder's signature.

What can Alex Scott bring to Wolverhampton Wanderers?

Despite still being aged just 19, Scott has already racked up 89 senior appearances for Bristol City, 81 of which have come in the Championship.

That includes 40 starts in the second tier last season when used in a number of midfield positions. Whether it is as a holder, out wide or just off the striker, Scott has the ability to mix it up.

The teenager is more of a defensive and creative-minded midfielder than someone who gets forward and scores himself, as reflected by his four assists last season and smaller tally of just one goal.

Indeed, the team-high ten yellow cards he received in the Championship last season gives a good indication of what Scott is all about.

That is not to say Scott is dirty – he is someone who was described as "an unbelievable player" by Pep Guardiola earlier this year, after all – but it comes as part of his job as someone in the side to intercept the ball.

Interestingly, Scott's 0.98 interceptions per 90 minutes in the Championship last season, as per FBref, is almost identical to that of Moutinho in the Premier League – 0.91 per 90 minutes.

The pair also committed fouls at a similar rate (1.33 for Scott compared to 1.57 for Moutinho), and likewise when it comes to percentage of challenges won (40.3 and 41.3 respectively).

With 0.19 and 0.15 goal-creating actions per 90 minutes for their respective sides last season, neither Scott nor Moutinho were selected for their goalscoring ability alone (the latter did not find the net all season), but they each bring other vital components that help make a team tick.

If it is a like-for-like replacement of sorts Lopetegui is after to soften the blow of Moutinho's departure, Scott – who will not come cheap at a reported £25m – may be just their man.

Southampton are “looking at a deal” for Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury, who spent last season on loan at Watford, according to reports.

Who will Southampton sign this summer?

So far, there has been very little in the way of transfer activity at St. Mary’s, which is hardly surprising given their relegtion from the Premier League and loss of finances that come with it.

The Saints have an almighty task to bounce back at the first time of asking, though major clubs from the top flight are reportedly looking to steal away some of their best squad members.

Midfielder James Ward-Prowse, who starred as Southampton’s arguable best player last season, is attracting interest from the likes of Fulham and West Ham with the Englishman also open to leaving.

Meanwhile, other big sides are chasing Belgium international starlet Romeo Lavia, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool all linked to the 19-year-old recently.

Mislav Orsic has since departed on a transfer to Trabzonspor, while Mohamed Elyounoussi and Theo Walcott left the club on Bosman deals following their contract expiries.

Given Russell Martin could see some stars depart this summer, supporters will be eager to hear news of any potential incomings, with The Telegraph now sharing it.

Reliable journalists Mike McGrath and John Percy, writing for the outlet, claim Southampton are “looking at a deal” for Leicester’s Choudhury.

The Englishman, who was a regular on loan at Watford last season, could be allowed to leave the King Power but that final decision ultimately rests with Enzo Maresca.

Not much else is said in regards to Choudhury, but it appears Martin and co do have a few transfer targets in mind this summer.

What’s been said about Hamza Choudhury?

The 25-year-old was practically undroppable for Watford last campaign, playing the fourth-highest number of Championship minutes for them (WhoScored).

In that time, no other Hornets star made more tackles or interceptions per 90 than Choudhury, with the defensive midfielder proving to be a rock in front of Watford’s back four (WhoScored).

The former England Under-21 international has also been praised by members of the press, with Ben Jacobs calling him an “all-action” midfielder.

Commenting on Choudhury’s previous links with Newcastle, the reporter lauded his “tremendous vision”.

An update has emerged on Sunderland and their attempts to add a new number nine to the playing squad before the summer transfer window slams shut on Friday.

What's the latest Sunderland transfer news?

Black Cats boss Tony Mowbray and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman are reportedly eyeing a deal to land the services of a Premier League striker who has attracted interest from a host of Championship clubs ahead of the deadline.

According to journalist Alan Nixon, the Championship side are 'trying' to secure a late move for Everton marksman Thomas Cannon to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.

The reporter has, however, stated that league rivals Middlesbrough and Norwich City are also keen on the talented ace and Sunderland will need to win a race to seal his signature.

Interest from the latter has been backed up by the Daily Mail, who have claimed that the Canaries have tabled a £7m offer for his services, although he has previously been touted with an £8m price tag.

How good is Thomas Cannon?

Although he is not a vastly experienced player at senior level, the 20-year-old whiz is a fantastic prospect who has the quality to allow Mowbray to forget all about Ross Stewart, who could be on his way out of the Stadium of Light.

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has claimed that Southampton are confident of snapping up the Scotland international before the deadline after they made a £7.5m offer, despite the Black Cats wanting £10m.

The former Ross County star has been out of action with an Achilles injury since January but proved himself to be a reliable scoring option for the club prior to that blow.

Stewart has racked up 40 goals in 80 appearances in all competitions for Sunderland since his move to Wearside in January 2021 and Cannon's record at youth level for Everton suggests that the potential is there for him to make a similar impact in the final third.

The Ireland U20 international, who was lauded as "outstanding" by Hull City boss Liam Rosenior last season, racked up an impressive 51 goals in 97 U18 and U21 matches combined for the Toffees before his first-team breakthrough.

Cannon spent the second half of the 2022/23 campaign on loan with Preston North End and proved himself to be capable of scoring goals at Championship level with eight goals and four 'big chances' created for his teammates in 19 starts.

That was his first taste of regular senior football and he was able to average almost a goal every other game.

With that experience under his belt, the 20-year-old finisher could take the next step in his development to be a reliable goalscorer over the course of an entire season with Sunderland.

His phenomenal statistics for Everton's youth teams suggest that the potential is there for him to be a superb goalscoring threat on a regular basis in the same way that Stewart has been for the Black Cats in recent years, with his Preston form also proving that he has what it takes to deliver end product in a first-team environment.

Therefore, Mowbray could move on from Stewart and allow the Scottish ace to join Southampton with no concerns about a lack of goals in his squad if the club can secure a deal for Cannon ahead of Middlesbrough and Norwich.

Tottenham Hotspur winger Dejan Kulusevski has shared his liking towards the young coach currently at the north London club, Ryan Mason.

What did Kulusevski say?

The issues at Spurs are there for all to see as their pursuit of a spot in next season's Champions League has begun to fall away over recent weeks.

After parting ways with Antonio Conte during the international break, the Lilywhites have only gone on to win one of their three Premier League games.

And even that victory came in controversial fashion with VAR issuing an apology to Brighton & Hove Albion for the decisions made in that game.

The search for their next permanent manager goes on with the likes of Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique believed to be on the radar of Daniel Levy.

In the meantime, Conte's assistant, Cristian Stellini, has been handed the keys in north London with Mason acting as his assistant coach.

However, the 31-year-old was one of the names who was tipped to potentially take over from the Italian with his coaching staff expected to have left alongside him.

And speaking about Mason, Kulusevski has waxed lyrical about the young coach who has taken on a big role at his boyhood club:

"I like him a lot, because you know he was a player there just a couple of years ago. He knows how it is to be in our shoes. Like today, I spoke to him after the training, he was seeing something when I was shooting and trying to correct it, ask me about what I think when I shoot like that.

"It's good when you can speak with someone who knows what they're talking about because he was in your shoes a couple of years ago. He's a fantastic guy honestly."

Should Mason have been handed the job?

Stellini's promotion to manager has seen very little change in north London with the 48-year-old simply carrying over Conte's style of play and formation.

Spurs have now named an unchanged team for the last three games (all of Stellini's games in charge) and the performances have left a lot to be desired.

Saturday's game against Bournemouth was perhaps the biggest example of this as he ended up playing Harry Kane in midfield as Spurs chased the game following another poor display which saw them fall behind to the Cherries in the second half.

Perhaps replacing Conte and his team altogether would have been the best option for Daniel Levy with Mason potentially bringing some fresh ideas to the table.

The Spurs defence has been nothing short of abysmal this season with only six other sides having conceded more goals than their 45 this season.

Yet nothing has changed systematically since Conte's exit and Spurs have conceded five goals in their three games under Stellini.

Even further up the field, Kulusevski has not been the same player this season as he was last term, yet Arnaut Danjuma still awaits his first start in the league.

Unless changes are made, the next seven games for Spurs could prove tough watches for their fans.

Tottenham have been dealt a potentially major blow as a report shares some news involving Harry Kane’s contract.

The Lowdown: Kane future unsolved…

Kane has entered the final 17 months of his contract with the likes of Man United and Bayern Munich reportedly eyeing a move for the striker.

Antonio Conte’s star player is set to be a hot topic at Spurs over the next few months until chairman Daniel Levy either manages to agree an extension or opts to sell.

Kane had been subject to a proposed Man City move in the summer of 2021 but Pep Guardiola’s side were ultimately priced out of a transfer.

The Latest: Spurs dealt Kane contract blow…

The 29-year-old could have another chance to move on from Tottenham in the not-too-distant future with a claim from Italy sharing some contract news.

There had been reports of Kane leaning towards signing fresh terms, but there’s allegedly been a twist to the tale.

According to Calciomercatoweb.it, as translated by Sport Witness, Kane is apparently ‘extremely full of doubts’ over his Spurs future – dealing a blow to their hopes of keeping him.

As a result, the England international has apparently put contract talks on hold – mainly due to uncertainties surrounding Conte’s stay at the club.

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The Verdict: Worrying…

Tottenham’s lack of silverware was already an incentive for Kane to leave the club given he has made no secret of his desire to win trophies.

Conte’s arrival at the club indicated real promise in this regard considering the former Chelsea boss is a decorated serial winner at all of his previous sides.

As both men’s futures are closely linked, if Spurs were to lose the duo, it would come as a hammer blow.

In Kane’s case, the attacker is absolutely pivotal, as showcased by his outstanding league form over 2022/2023.

As per WhoScored, the Three Lions ace stands out as Tottenham’s best-performing player by average match rating – pitching in with a phenomenal return of 17 goals in 23 starts.

In terms of finding a potential replacement, there are very few strikers in world football on Kane’s level.

Arsenal are reportedly reigniting their interest in Argentine forward Emiliano Buendia, as Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar eye further reinforcements this summer.

The duo have already equipped the side with the talents of Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice this window, spending over £200m in the bid to continue their title challenging form of the 2022/23 campaign.

It’s speculated that the spending is far from over with one week remaining until the opening fixture of the 2023/24 season, as the club continues to be linked with talent.

Could Arsenal sign Emiliano Buendia?

As reported by FootballTransfers, Arsenal could eye a move for Aston Villa attacking midfielder Buendia with the hope to add to their depth on the right side.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

The Gunners were said to be ‘seriously’ interested in signing the winger from Norwich City back in 2021 prior to his move to Villa, as per football.london.

In a transfer that was worth £38m, the 26-year-old could be on the move again after just two years in the Midlands.

How many goals has Emiliano Buendia scored for Aston Villa?

After making the move from Carrow Road to Villa Park, the Argentine has found the net on just nine occasions in two seasons in claret and blue in what has been a slightly underwhelming spell in the Premier League.

Arsenal’s reported interest in the 26-year-old back in 2021 was understandable following his phenomenal 32 goal and assist-contributing season in the Championship for the Canaries.

Scoring 15 goals and registering 17 assists, Buendia captured the eye of the top-flight and opted to sign for the Villans.

In hindsight, the Gunners dodged a bullet with him being branded as a player that has “not been consistent enough” by former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan via Football Insider.

On the back of his 15-goal campaign, the Argentine managed four goals in the Premier League, suggesting that the full story of his potential has not been translated to the highest level as it was on show in the Championship.

For Arsenal, interest in the 26-year-old could spell disaster for Edu as he looks to improve the depth of the squad at the Emirates, something that he could move further away from in hiring the Midlands flop.

The Gunners are in the process of sanctioning a move for Nicolas Pepe, who as a fellow right-sided forward has been unable to impress in the Premier League.

Despite being cut away from Arteta’s plans, the Ivory Coast international made more of an impact in the English top-flight than Buendia has in his opening two seasons, scoring 15 goals over the 2019/20 and 2020/21 league campaigns.

Making a move for the £82k-per-week dud would be a less ambitious move in comparison to the other deals secured this summer, in a player that has performed at a lower level than Pepe, who has been exiled from the Emirates for his lack of form.

At a time when the north Londoners have worked their way to be regarded as title contenders once again, Edu should avoid a move for a figure proven to struggle in the Premier League, in a deal that could replicate the right-sided failure of Pepe’s tenure.

Everton have a steady and rich flow of talent cascading from Finch Farm academy and could have their latest gem in homegrown centre-back Jack Tierney.

Notably, Anthony Gordon rose from the youth ranks and recently played a starring role in Everton's past several seasons, subject to a £45m transfer to Newcastle United last January.

Similarly, Ross Barkley was heralded for his early performances on Merseyside before completing a £15m transfer to Chelsea in 2018, while a certain former star named Wayne Rooney also commenced his illustrious career at Goodison Park.

The club might be floundering at present, two points and two places above the Premier League relegation zone after avoiding the drop in the closing weeks last season, but the assurance of further talent continually cropping up provides manager Sean Dyche with comfort that he can craft a team capable of flourishing higher up the table over the coming years.

Dyche is renowned for his defensive organisation and structured managerial approach, and as such he will be paying close attention to the exploits of Tierney, who will be pushing for an increase in his role at the club as he continues his development.

Who is Jack Tierney?

The 18-year-old Tierney has made 12 appearances for the U18 outfit this term to continue from an impressive preceding breakout year that saw him forge 16 outings, scoring one goal and wearing the captain's armband on two occasions.

According to Everton's official website, Tierney is a "commanding" defender and a lifelong Evertonian, hailing former Toffees captain Phil Jagielka as his footballing inspiration.

Such a 'commanding' approach will be one of the main attractions in the eyes of Dyche, who recently explained to the Coaches Voice the principles of his philosophy and provided insight into his man-management and prowess in tactical awareness from a defensive standpoint.

Effectively, there are scant few managers an aspiring centre-back would wish to kickstart their career under, and Tierney must absorb the fruits of his boss' labour to set himself in good stead to flourish among the seniors at Everton when the time comes.

Praised by reporter Jack Beesley for his "crucial" reading of the game earlier this season, Tierney has the tools for a successful Blues career, and as the cogs fall into place he could even surpass the expectations of Everton centre-back Jarrard Branthwaite, who is flourishing out on loan with PSV Eindhoven.

Signing for the Toffees in January 2020 for just £1m from Carlisle, the 20-year-old has made 13 appearances for his outfit, scoring one goal, before being loaned out to the Eredivisie last summer, where he has enjoyed a fruitful spell and forged 29 displays thus far, scoring four goals and registering an assist.

Hailed by former manager Carlo Ancelotti as a "really skilful defender with a lot of ability", Branthwaite will be pushing for a role in Dyche's set-up next season, and while he looks to be a genuine prospect, Tierney could surpass his potential by harnessing his 'commanding' leadership skills and becoming the centrepiece of the Everton project.

Tottenham Hotspur have a rich history of academy production, with their current squad propped up by a strong youthful core, and teams of the past having been built around graduates who fans can relate with.

Making your way up and eventually featuring for your boyhood club is a dream every supporter has so to watch a youngster achieve it makes it that much more special when they perform. It is what made Manchester United's 'Class of 92' so special, and what led the Lilywhites to fall so madly in love with Harry Kane.

As one of the most famous products of the north London outfit, which has played host to some truly outstanding players in recent memory, the current England captain arguably stands out above all given the records he would shatter.

He outlived numerous managers, and although his departure was a gut-wrenching one over the summer, the renewed hope that Ange Postecoglou has brought has eased the pain that such a move would have otherwise facilitated.

The Australian was appointed to oversee a revolution in N17, after numerous failed tenures that did not deliver on the silverware promised. Now, the former Celtic man is seeking to usher in a fresh, exciting era at the club, hopefully laden with the trophies they have been avoiding.

It is a testament to his start to life at his new club that few are complaining about Kane's sale, but that does not mean it is not worth mentioning.

Is Harry Kane a Spurs legend?

When they offloaded the 30-year-old, the north Londoners lost far more than just the goals they were essentially promised every year. Although, that by itself was astronomical.

The current Bayern Munich man made an astonishing 430 appearances for Spurs across his 19-year tenure, stretching back into his youth days, and would score 278 times.

His clinical nature saw him surpass Jimmy Greaves' record for most goals scored for the club, whilst Kane even added elite creativity to his game that made him one of the best strikers in the world. This was perfectly outlined during the 2020/21 Premier League term, where he scored 23 and assisted 14, winning both the Golden Boot and the Playmaker award in the same year.

During this period, he unsurprisingly earned praise, with pundit Paul Merson even noting: "He's got an all-round game and I personally think he's the best centre-forward in the world, he's the only player I know who has got the whole package. People will go 'oh (Erling) Haaland, he's 20, he scores goals, that's what he brings to the party'. Kane brings everything to the party.

"He's got an array of passing, he can put people in, he can join the play. I can't talk highly enough of the lad, I really can't, he's a special, special player."

This was extended even into his last year in north London, where his 30 league goals marked an astronomical figure for a side that had been so poor. Postecoglou may have pleaded with him to stay, but the £100m offer from the Bavarian giants proved too lucrative to decline.

2022/23

30

3

7.44

2021/22

17

9

7.38

2020/21

23

14

7.63

2019/20

18

2

7.24

2018/19

17

4

7.29

All stats via Sofascore

The 58-year-old tactician would still speak highly of the man he oversaw briefly: "It's only fair on a day like today that our supporters do have a sense of mourning and loss, as despite the lack of success at the club, he's been a hero to them."

However, Kane's success has not solely been tied to his club form, as in March he actually surpassed Wayne Rooney to become England's all-time leading scorer. It was widely expected that, had he remained in England, Alan Shearer's Premier League record was massively under threat too.

Despite that, he is a man who no longer plays for the club, with all his successes now a thing of the past. Postecoglou is promising a brighter future regardless of that setback, with one of his youngsters potentially set to step up to fill this vacancy.

Who is Alejo Veliz?

As he acted shrewdly in the market to recover from such a crushing loss, the signing of James Maddison, in particular, having paid off as the Englishman only recently took home the Premier League Player of the Month award for August.

It is exciting to see the direction he seeks to take the Lilywhites, although that number nine position still feels rather empty.

Even with Heung-min Son's hat trick last time out, it is unlikely that the South Korean will play there for a full season, even with Richarlison's faltering form.

So, it will be a welcome sight to see youngster Alejo Veliz training with the first-team, with the Argentine one of those aforementioned summer additions that perhaps went under the radar. "Alejo is finally on the pitch, which is great." Postecoglou recently noted. "It was his first session yesterday. He's been impatient waiting to get started. It was good to have him involved yesterday and he'll be available from here on as well."

The 19-year-old joined for a £13m fee, with great reviews from his homeland. In fact, Daniel Bertoni, who won the World Cup with Argentina in 1978, was desperate to praise the teenage striker: "Congratulations to Tottenham, who took Alejo Veliz from Rosario Central. For me, [Veliz is] a phenomenon.”

Postecoglou would supplement this by profiling his newest forward: "He’s got a lot of talent for a youngster. He’s got a great profile. He’s a big guy but he’s very mobile and he works hard."

To already be tearing up senior football at his age is a hugely impressive feat, with his 11 goals in the Argentinian top flight last term a fine figure to build on the six he had scored the year prior.

Adding to this, he also notched three times in four matches at the recent U20 World Cup, as if to emphasise his international pedigree too.

Although far from a similar profile to Kane physically, as he seems like a far more hard-working and brutish forward, the goals he could score might make him the heir to the position left vacant by their legendary ex-marksman.

With Richarlison once again faltering in front of goal, having recorded just one league strike last term and seen his position taken by a natural left winger already this season, it seems an opportunity is opening up for someone to step into Kane's place. Despite his youth, Veliz has all the attributes to be that man.